West Nile Virus in Children

West Nile Virus in Children

What is the West Nile virus?

The West Nile virus belongs to a group of viruses known as flaviviruses, commonly found in Africa, West Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East. Flaviviruses are spread by insects, most often mosquitoes. Other examples of flaviviruses include yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, dengue virus, and St. Louis encephalitis virus. West Nile virus (WNV) is closely related to the St. Louis encephalitis virus.

The West Nile virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses, and some other mammals. In 1999, the virus occurred in the Western hemisphere for the first time, with the first cases reported in New York City. Since then, West Nile virus has been considered an emerging infectious disease in the U.S., as it has spread down the East Coast and to many Southern and Midwestern states. It has been discovered in 48 states in the U.S..

West Nile virus occurs in late summer and early fall in temperate zones, but can occur year-round in southern climates. Most people are infected from June to September. Usually, the West Nile virus causes mild, flu-like symptoms. Rarely, the virus can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), or meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membrane).

What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?

According to the CDC, West Nile virus infection in humans is rare. Most children infected with West Nile virus experience only mild, flu-like symptoms that last a few days. Symptoms usually appear within 3 to 14 days of infection.

Approximately 20% of the people who become infected will develop West Nile fever. The following are the most common symptoms of West Nile fever:

Fever

Headache

Body aches

Skin rash on trunk of body

Swollen lymph glands

The more severe form of the West Nile virus (West Nile encephalitis, West Nile meningitis, or West Nile meningoencephalitis) that is present in one out of 150 cases, occurs when the virus crosses the blood-brain barrier. Most of these cases are in people over 60. Symptoms of West Nile encephalitis, West Nile meningitis, or West Nile meningoencephalitis in children may include:

The symptoms of West Nile virus may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's health care provider for a diagnosis.

Diagnosis of the severe form of WNV may include tests such as lumbar puncture (spinal tap), electroencephalogram (EEG), cat scan (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and blood tests.

How is West Nile virus spread?

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female mosquito. The mosquitoes acquire the virus through biting infected birds. Crows and jays are the most common birds associated with the virus, but at least 110 other bird species also have been identified with the virus.

According to the CDC, West Nile virus isn't spread between humans. However, in recent developments, several cases were documented of organ transplant recipients who contracted the disease from their donors. Health officials suspect the organ donor acquired the virus through a blood transfusion. As a result, the government is working to develop a blood-screening test for West Nile virus. However the FDA stresses that the risk for contracting West Nile from blood is significantly lower than the risk for forgoing any procedure that would call for a blood transfusion.

What is the treatment for West Nile virus?

There's no specific treatment for West Nile virus-related diseases. If a person develops the more severe form of the disease, West Nile encephalitis or meningitis, treatment may include intensive supportive therapy, such as:

If you spray your child's clothing, there is no need to spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under the clothing--however, do apply DEET containing repellent to exposed skin.

Consider keeping your child indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening, as these are peak hours for mosquito bites, especially those mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus.

Limit the number of places available for mosquitoes to lay their eggs by eliminating standing water sources from around your home.

What should I know about insect repellents?

Mosquitoes are attracted to people’s skin odors and the carbon dioxide from a person’s breath. Many repellents contain a chemical, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), which repels the mosquito. Repellents are effective only at short distances from the treated surface, so mosquitoes may still be flying nearby. Always follow the directions on the insect repellent you're using in order to determine how frequently you need to reapply repellent:

Sweating, perspiration, or water may require reapplication of the product.

A product with 6.65% DEET provides almost 2 hours of protection from mosquito bites.

Products with 4.75% DEET and products made from citronella, eucalyptus, or soybean oil are able to provide roughly 1.5 hours of protection from mosquito bites.

Are there special concerns about the use of insect repellents on children?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using caution when applying insect repellent on children:

Use products with DEET concentrations of 30% or less on children ages 2 to 12. (Some experts suggest that it is acceptable to apply repellent with low concentrations of DEET to infants older than 2 months.) There is no evidence that using DEET concentrations greater than 30% offer any additional benefit.

When using repellent on a child, apply it to your own hands and then rub them on your child.

Avoid children's eyes and mouth and use the repellent sparingly around their ears.

Do not apply repellent to children's hands because children tend to put their hands in their mouths.

Do not allow a young child to apply his or her own insect repellent.

Keep repellents out of reach of children.

Do not use combination sunscreen-insect repellent products because reapplying frequently enough to prevent sunburn will expose your child to too much DEET.

Do not apply repellent to skin under clothing. If repellent is applied to clothing, wash treated clothing before wearing again.

Disclaimer:This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.